Support Tom Hickey's Medical Transport

As most of you know, my father, Tom Hickey, has been in the hospital down in Florida since September 25th. He was admitted for shortness of breath and weakness. He was diagnosed with PJP Pneumonia, which is common among the immunocompromised; having been on high dose (80mg 6x a day) long-term steroids, thus causing his suppressed immune system. Upon diagnosis around 9/27, he was started on IV antibiotics and placed on oxygen.

By the time I arrived on 10/7, he was unable to swallow and wasn’t able to get proper nutrition. I had to provide consent on placing a PEG tube (in the stomach) due to desaturation when doctors attempted to place a g-tube down the nose.

On Wednesday, 10/9, my father was immediately taken down to the ICU due to low sodium levels caused by the antibiotics he was on for over two weeks. He was given a special medication to increase his sodium levels. He was then placed on a hi-flow nose cannula due to continued decrease in his breathing. Within 48 hours, he became even more critical and was intubated by Friday, 10/11, along with being placed on CRRT dialysis due to high potassium. Two weeks later, a tracheostomy was performed, but he’s not yet strong enough to breathe on his own.

In the next couple of weeks/days, he has been approved to be moved from the ICU to a LTACH here in Philadelphia, where he can continue to work towards weaning off the ventilator and allow myself and extended family to be able to support him. However, the medical air transport is not covered by insurance to get him up here.

I’m setting up this GoFundMe to help my family and I cover these transport costs. Having my dad back home here in Philadelphia will allow me to be able to care for him and support him without having to leave my children to fly down to Florida every few weeks. This will also allow for extended family to provide additional support.

If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting my father, then you know how much of a great guy he is. My dad is my world and best friend, all on top of being an amazing Pop-Pop to my three children, who absolutely love and adore him! They would love to have Pop-Pop home to be able to visit him. If you’re unable to donate, please continue to support us with your prayers for a smooth transfer and a full recovery for this beloved husband, father, Pop-Pop, brother, and friend. Thank you so much! ❤️